How to apply for External Communications Lead, Service

About HITACHI ENERGY

Hitachi Energy is a global technology leader advancing sustainable energy systems toward a carbon-neutral future, with a strong presence in the UK through HITACHI ENERGY UK LIMITED. Working here means contributing to the clean energy transition, a mission that is both urgent and rewarding. The company fosters innovation and offers a dynamic, international environment where you can grow professionally while making a tangible impact.

About the role

As External Communications Lead for the newly established Service Business Unit, you will shape and execute high-impact communication strategies that support transformation and positioning. You will be responsible for crafting the external narrative, driving thought leadership, and managing strategic projects that elevate the Service business. This role is pivotal in a fast-paced, evolving environment, offering the chance to build communication plans from the ground up and influence key stakeholders.

A typical day

A typical day might involve collaborating with internal stakeholders to align messaging, drafting press releases or thought leadership content, and coordinating with media contacts. You could also be planning strategic communication initiatives for the Service Business Unit, analyzing their impact, and adjusting plans as needed. Expect regular virtual meetings with international colleagues and occasional travel to Birmingham or other key locations for team events.

Who HITACHI ENERGY is looking for

• Strategic communicator with a strong business mindset and a passion for the clean energy transition.
• Proven experience in external communications, ideally within the energy, technology, or industrial sectors.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment and build strategic plans in a dynamic, international setting.
• Strong project management skills and experience in thought leadership, media relations, and stakeholder engagement.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex topics into compelling narratives.

Tips for this application

• Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in external communications within the energy or technology sectors, specifically mentioning any work related to clean energy transition or service business units.
• Showcase your ability to develop and implement strategic communication plans from scratch, as this role involves building the function for a newly established business unit.
• Demonstrate your business acumen by linking communication strategies to business outcomes, such as enhancing brand reputation, supporting growth, or driving transformation.
• Include examples of thought leadership initiatives you have led, such as white papers, executive speeches, or industry reports, to prove your capability in shaping narratives.
• Emphasize your experience working in international, remote settings and your ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams across different time zones.

What to cover in your cover letter

["Your passion for the clean energy transition and how it aligns with Hitachi Energy's mission.", 'Specific examples of external communication strategies you have developed and executed, particularly in service-oriented or transformation contexts.', 'Your ability to build relationships with media, influencers, and internal stakeholders to drive thought leadership.', 'How you have successfully navigated a fast-paced, evolving environment and adapted communication plans accordingly.']

Research before applying

• Research Hitachi Energy's sustainability goals and recent initiatives in the clean energy space, such as their carbon-neutral targets and key projects.
• Understand the structure and purpose of the Service Business Unit within Hitachi Energy, including its offerings and target customers.
• Review recent press releases, media coverage, and thought leadership pieces from Hitachi Energy to understand their current external narrative and opportunities for improvement.
• Explore the UK energy market landscape, including key regulations, competitors, and emerging trends that could impact Hitachi Energy's positioning.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How would you approach building the external communications function for a newly established Service Business Unit?
• Can you share an example of a successful thought leadership campaign you led and how you measured its impact?
• Describe a time when you had to quickly adapt a communication strategy due to a change in business priorities or market conditions.
• How do you ensure alignment between external communications and broader business goals, especially in a matrixed organization?
• What is your understanding of the key trends and challenges in the energy sector, and how would you position Hitachi Energy's Service business as a leader?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Avoid generic cover letters that do not specifically address the Service Business Unit and the clean energy context.
• Do not focus solely on tactics without demonstrating strategic thinking and business acumen.
• Avoid neglecting to mention experience with thought leadership and strategic projects, as these are core to the role.